Much has changed in the six years since the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
As the Biden administration and Congress consider whether and how the United States might reenter the JCPOA, it is essential to understand these changes.
Iran’s nuclear behavior while the U.S. was in the deal, and after we exited, exploited the shortcomings of the JCPOA, demonstrating that the JCPOA alone could not thwart an Iran determined to advance its nuclear weapons program.
In addition, Iran has advanced its ballistic missile program, stepped up its regional aggression, and continued its role as the leading state sponsor of terrorism.
The JCPOA on its own could not permanently prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and a simple return to the JCPOA will not prevent a nuclear Iran.
America needs a comprehensive policy—closely coordinated with our regional allies—to permanently prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and address the regime’s ballistic missile program, terrorism, and regional aggression.
For the first time, an Iranian diplomat was sentenced in Europe for terrorist activities.
A Belgian court sentenced the Iranian diplomat to 20 years in prison for plotting a bomb attack against a gathering of Iranian dissidents outside Paris in 2018.
Iran has a long history of using terrorism to target dissidents.
We must maintain and strictly enforce terror sanctions on the leading state sponsor of terror.
Iran continued its campaign of aggression across the Middle East this week.
On Monday, the regime tested a new rocket under the guise of its civilian satellite program—utilizing advanced technology that is directly transferable to the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
On Tuesday, the International Atomic Energy Agency released two reports detailing Iran's continued expansion of its nuclear program.
And this weekend, Iran is planning a massive drill showcasing long-range missiles, drones and other weapons, threatening the United States, Israel and Gulf countries.
Iran’s determination to further destabilize the Middle East, develop nuclear weapons, and build ballistic missiles brings the world closer to war.
We must work with our regional allies most threatened by Iran.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the United States European Command (EUCOM) launched their 20th annual joint air defense exercise this week, Juniper Falcon.
The exercise focused on the common threat of ballistic missile attacks.
"The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between both nations’ militaries and ensure U.S. and Israeli forces are ready and prepared to respond to any contingency, particularly those involving ballistic missile defense or crisis response," EUCOM said in a statement.
A strong U.S.-Israel partnership helps keep us stronger, safer and better prepared for future challenges.
Israel’s vaccination campaign is a model for America and the world.
The Jewish state continues to have the highest per capita vaccination rate in the world.
37% of Israelis have received their first vaccine dose.
21% of Israelis are completely inoculated.
Israel has also given away thousands of its vaccines to inoculate Palestinian medical teams, becoming one of the first countries to donate vaccines beyond its population.
In the House, Reps. Michael Waltz (R-FL), Elaine Luria (D-VA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY) re-introduced a bipartisan bill on Thursday to promote research between the United States and Israel to help both countries treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In the Senate, Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) are introducing companion legislation.
America's partnership with Israel helps protect our troops and improve our healthcare.
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The mission of AIPAC is to strengthen and expand the U.S.-Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of the United States and Israel.
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